Buskers, Another Reason To Visit Our City Centre

Buskers, Another Reason To Visit Our City Centre

“You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go Downtown, things’ll be great when you’re Downtown, no finer place for sure Downtown, everything’s waiting for you …”

The lyrics of Petula Clark’s cheerful 1965 classic never get old when describing the attractions of being Downtown.

And now there’s even more reason to head into Grande Prairie’s City Centre, especially in the summer – buskers are entertaining residents and visitors regularly to add to the vibe of the business core.

It’s all part of our focus on making the City Centre A Place You Want To Be!

The buskers, a collaboration between the DownTown Association, the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association, and CW Live Entertainment, began adding to the ambiance of Downtown June 28 and continue until August 24th.

And they’ll be an attraction next summer, as well.

“These entertainers are thrilled to add to the culture in the City,” says Executive Director Wendy Bosch. “They are enthusiastic about helping to build our future.”

Buskers have appeared at a variety of locations, ranging from the Montrose Cultural Centre for Food Truck Fridays to the bus stop on 100 Ave. between 100 and 101 streets. Saturdays have featured a roving busker on 100 Ave. between 99 and 100 streets and the Farmers Market.

Cam White, owner and booking agent at CW Live Entertainment, was delighted to get on board with the busking project that features a variety of performances, ranging from musicians to belly dancers, hula hoop performers and Poi, a form of performance art.

“This can be a launching point for downtown cultural activity,” he says. “The busking idea is the beginning of a change that is taking place downtown and with more apartments and condos going up, there is going to be a need for entertainment. This is just the beginning.

“The artists have enjoyed the opportunity for paid work outside – with opportunity for more through tips – and even though the weather did not always co-operate, a couple of businesses (Tito’s Restaurant and GP Coffee Co.) came in as ‘Back up’ locations so the event never lost momentum.”